Search Results (281)

Under the rapid development of the digital economy, the interactive relationship between exports and the digital economy has become an important issue for promoting regional economic growth. Based on the panel data of 31 provinces and municipalities in China from 2012 to 2022, this paper systematically examines the impact of exports on economic growth and the moderating role of the digital economy, and it introduces research and development (R&D) investment to test its mediating mechanism. The research finds that exports significantly promote regional economic growth. The digital economy has a negative moderating effect on the export growth effect, and it is significant in the eastern region but not significant in the central and western regions, showing obvious regional heterogeneity. R&D investment has played a partial mediating role between exports and economic growth. This paper suggests that the government should focus on regional differences, promote the deep integration of the digital economy and exports, enhance technological innovation capabilities, formulate differentiated policies based on local conditions, strengthen the construction of digital infrastructure, optimize the export structure, support the development of R&D-driven enterprises, and build a digital export system that promotes regional coordination and high-quality growth, so as to achieve high-quality coordinated sustainable regional development. This paper also has certain reference value for other developing economies, in promoting the integration of the digital economy and trade. Full article

Diffuse axonal brain injury (DAI) is a common, debilitating consequence of traumatic brain injury, yet its detection and severity grading remain challenging in clinical and experimental settings. This study evaluated the sensitivity of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), histology, and neurological severity scoring (NSS) in assessing injury severity in a rat model of isolated DAI. A rotational injury model induced mild, moderate, or severe DAI in male and female rats. Neurological deficits were assessed 48 h after injury via NSS. Magnetic resonance imaging, including DTI metrics, such as fractional anisotropy (FA), relative anisotropy (RA), axial diffusivity (AD), mean diffusivity (MD), and radial diffusivity (RD), was performed prior to tissue collection. Histological analysis used beta amyloid precursor protein immunohistochemistry. Sensitivity and variability of each method were compared across brain regions and the whole brain. Histology was the most sensitive method, requiring very small groups to detect differences. Anisotropy-based MRI metrics, especially whole-brain FA and RA, showed strong correlations with histology and NSS and demonstrated high sensitivity with low variability. NSS identified injury but required larger group sizes. Diffusivity-based MRI metrics, particularly RD, were less sensitive and more variable. Whole-brain FA and RA were the most sensitive MRI measures of DAI severity and were comparable to histology in moderate and severe groups. These findings support combining NSS and anisotropy-based DTI for non-terminal DAI assessment in preclinical studies. Full article

The sustainable development of higher education exhibits a strong and measurable association with the level of regional innovation capacity. Drawing on panel data covering 31 provincial-level administrative regions in China from 2010 to 2022, we construct evaluation frameworks for both higher education and regional innovation capacity using the entropy weight method. These are complemented by kernel density estimation, spatial autocorrelation analysis, Dagum Gini coefficient decomposition, and the Obstacle Degree Model. Together, these tools enable a comprehensive investigation into the spatiotemporal evolution and driving mechanisms of coupling coordination dynamics between the two systems. The results indicate the following: (1) Both higher education and regional innovation capacity indices exhibit steady growth, accompanied by a clear temporal gradient differentiation. (2) The coupling coordination degree shows an overall upward trend, with significant inter-regional disparities, notably “higher in the east and low in the west”. (3) The spatial distribution of the coupling coordination degree reveals positive spatial autocorrelation, with provinces exhibiting similar levels tending to form spatial clusters, most commonly of the low–low or high–high type. (4) The spatial heterogeneity is pronounced, with inter-regional differences driving overall imbalance. (5) Key obstacles hindering regional innovation include inadequate R&D investment, limited trade openness, and weak technological development. In higher education sectors, limitations stem from insufficient social service benefits and efficiency of flow. This study recommends promoting the synchronized advancement of higher education and regional innovation through region-specific development strategies, strengthening institutional infrastructure, and accurately identifying and addressing key barriers. These efforts are essential to fostering high-quality, coordinated regional development. Full article

Abiotic stress can reprogram the gametophytic pathway; the mechanisms by which floral bud pre-treatment influences microspore embryogenesis initiation remain unclear. In this study, we use bisulfite sequencing, sRNA-seq, and RNA-seq to analyze the dynamic changes in rice microspores under different cold treatment durations. Our results showed that a 10-day cold treatment is essential for CXJ microspore embryogenesis initiation. DNA methylation levels showed a slight change at CG, CHG, and CHH sites under cold treatment. The number of both hyper- and hypomethylated DMRs increased over cold treatment, with more hypermethylated DMRs at 5 and 10 dpt. Hypermethylated DMRs were more frequently in the TSS region compared to hypomethylated DMRs. The proportion of 24 nt sRNAs increased upon cold stress, with more downregulated than upregulated sRNAs at 10 dpt. The number of DMR target DEGs increased from 5 to 10 dpt. Promoter hypomethylation at the CHH site was more frequently associated with DEGs. These outcomes suggested that the RdDM pathway participates in the initiation of rice ME. GO analysis indicated that DMR target DEGs at 10 dpt were enriched in responses to chemical stimuli, biological processes, and stress responses. An auxin-related gene, OsHOX28, was further identified. Its upregulation, potentially mediated by the RdDM pathway, may play a crucial role in the initiation of rice ME. This study provides more information on epigenetic mechanisms during rice ME. Full article

Since the early 21st century, urban shrinkage has become a significant global phenomenon. Dongguan, in Guangdong Province, China, is known as a “world factory”. It experienced notable urban shrinkage following the 2008 financial crisis. However, the city demonstrated remarkable recovery and ongoing development in subsequent years. On that basis, this study focuses on the following three points: (1) identifying the spatiotemporal factors contributing to the growth and shrinkage of manufacturing cities, taking Dongguan as an example; (2) explaining the influencing factors of the growth and shrinkage of Dongguan City during three critical periods, 2008–2014 (post-crisis), 2015–2019 (as machinery replaced human work), and 2020–2023 (the COVID-19 pandemic and recovery); and (3) selecting representative towns and streets for on-site observation and investigation, analyzing the measures they have taken to cope with growth and shrinkage during different periods. The key findings include the following: (1) The spatial dynamics of growth and shrinkage in Dongguan show significant temporal patterns, with traditional manufacturing areas shrinking from 2008 to 2014, central urban areas recovering from 2015 to 2019, and renewed shrinkage from 2020 to 2023. However, some regions maintained stability through strategic innovations. (2) Various factors, particularly industrial upgrading and technological innovation, drove the urban dynamics, enhancing economic resilience. (3) The case study of Houjie Town revealed successful adaptive mechanisms supported by policy while facing challenges like labor mismatches and inadequate R&D investment. This research offers insights for improving urban resilience and promoting sustainable development in Dongguan. Full article

Background/Objectives: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), has rapidly evolved, giving rise to multiple Variants of Concern—including Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Omicron—which emerged independently across different regions. Licensed COVID-19 vaccines primarily target the highly mutable spike protein, resulting in reduced efficacy due to immune escape by emerging variants. Previously, we developed a live attenuated Francisella tularensis LVS ΔcapB single-vector platform COVID-19 vaccine, rLVS ΔcapB/MN, expressing the conserved membrane (M) and nucleocapsid (N) proteins from the early SARS-CoV-2 WA-01/2020 strain. In this study, we evaluate the efficacy of rLVS ΔcapB/MN and an enhanced version, rLVS ΔcapB::RdRp/MN, which additionally expresses the conserved RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) protein from the same strain, in a hamster model. Methods: Both vaccine candidates were administered orally or intranasally to golden Syrian hamsters (equal numbers of males and females) and evaluated against intranasal challenge with SARS-CoV-2 Delta (B.1.617.2-AY.1) and Omicron (BA.5) variants. Results: Vaccinated animals developed robust, TH1-biased IgG responses specific to the nucleocapsid protein. Following SARS-CoV-2 challenge, immunized hamsters exhibited reduced weight loss, lower oropharyngeal and lung viral titers, and improved lung pathology scores compared with unvaccinated controls. Conclusion: These findings support the potential of this universal vaccine to provide broad protection against current and future SARS-CoV-2 variants, with minimal need for updating. Full article

Nitrous oxide is a potent greenhouse gas due to its long atmospheric lifespan (121 years) that results in a high global warming potential (GWP). Research has shown that no-tillage may be implemented as a mitigation strategy to reduce N₂O emissions. The objective of the was to evaluate how conventional tillage (CT) and no-tillage (NT) can potential influence N₂O emissions in soybean rotation in a semi-arid region of the central Free State of South Africa. The effect of conventional and no-till tillage practices on N₂O emissions under soybean rotation was evaluated in the 3rd year of a 5-year rotation system, in a semi-arid region of the Free State of South Africa, from December 2022 to December 2023. The experimental area was divided into three blocks and there were two plots in each block: in total there were six plots. The treatments were planted in a soybean rotation system under no-tillage and conventional tillage. The monthly averages of N₂O emissions were significantly different from each other during the soybean growing season; the highest emissions were recorded in August/September 2023 from both the NT and CT treatments after harvest. During this time, there were crop residues in the soil that increased soil carbon. There was a positive correlation between N₂O emissions and soil carbon content (p = 0.21) and between N₂O emissions and soil organic matter (p = 0.43). Emissions were significantly higher in CT (LSD = 0.3) than in NT. The lowest N₂O emissions were recorded in December 2023 (LSD = 0.05) and were significantly reduced in the no-till plots compared to those of the conventional tillage plots. Furthermore, the lowest cumulative N₂O emissions of 0.26 ± 0.22 kg N₂O-N ha⁻¹ were recorded during NT in the winter season and were significantly different from CT (LSD = 0.19). The results from our study indicate that the no-till practices in soybean rotation can decrease N₂O emissions. Full article

The development of agriculture with special characteristics has become a global trend, especially in highland areas with unique local advantages. Plateau-characteristic agriculture plays an important role in ensuring food security, maintaining ecological balance, and promoting sustainable development in plateau areas. However, because many plateau areas are ecologically fragile and have limited environmental recovery capacity, failure to manage them properly can lead to irreversible environmental degradation and affect socioeconomic stability. Therefore, ensuring plateau-characteristic agroecological security (PCAES) is particularly important and warrants in-depth investigation. However, existing research has yet to systematically identify the key factors affecting PCAES. To fill this gap, this study analyzes 41 factors affecting PCAES at the macro, meso, and micro levels. Then, a DTP (driver–pressure–state–impact–response–management (DPSIRM), technology–environment–resources–economy (TERE), and production–operation–service (POS), collectively referred to as DTP) hierarchy is established to analyze the factors from different perspectives. On this basis, we use a hierarchical decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) method to identify nine key factors that influence PCAES, including biodiversity indices, intensity of investment in pollution control, a comprehensive mechanization rate of major crops, and intensity of agricultural R&D investment, among others. Finally, based on the interrelationships among these key factors, we put forward recommendations for PCAES management, taking into account domestic and international experience and the actual situation of the plateau region. Clarifying the factors affecting PCAES will help local governments undertake targeted risk management and scientific decision-making and promote the sustainable development of local economies. Full article

Rice spikelet rot disease (RSRD) affects the production and market price of rice, and can be harmful to humans and livestock. In this study, 51 strains of Fusarium spp. were isolated from rice spikelets in the Lin’an, Yuhang, and Fuyang regions. The isolates comprised four composite species: Fusarium incarnatum-equiseti species complex (FIESC), Fusarium asiaticum species complex (FSAMSC), Fusarium fujikuroi species complex (FFSC), Fusarium commune species complex (FNSC), and five species of Fusarium spp. (F. luffae, F. sulawesiense, F. asiaticum, F. fujikuroi, and F. commune). The separation rate of F. sulawesiense was the highest (41.2%), followed by F. asiaticum at 37.3%. The results of this study, compared with those of other studies, found that the newly discovered species of Fusarium spp. associated with RSRD were FSAMSC (F. asiaticum) and FNSC (F. commune). Temperature is one of the important factors causing RSRD; the optimal growth temperature for F. sulawesiense and F. commune was 30 °C, and the optimal growth temperature for other species was 25 °C. A high temperature of 35 °C did not inhibit the growth of Fusarium, as F. commune and F. fujikuroi could grow at this temperature. At 20–30 °C, the growth rate of F. asiaticum was higher than those of other strains. To determine whether the occurrence of RSRD is related to the correlation between Fusarium and other fungi in rice spikelets under different health conditions, the genetic diversity of fungi in rice spikelets was analyzed by amplicon Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) sequencing, and the correlations between strains of Fusarium spp. were measured. The results showed that the fungal diversity of diseased rice spikelets (RD) was higher than that of relatively healthy rice spikelets (RH). Curvularia spp., which was affected by the condition of the spikelets, was negatively correlated with Fusarium spp. in RH and positively correlated with Fusarium spp. in RD. Therefore, Fusarium spp. and Curvularia spp. can jointly cause the occurrence of RSRD. The results of the study are significant for understanding the occurrence of RSRD and formulating prevention and control measures. Full article

University innovation plays an increasingly significant role in regional industrial development. In this paper, we study how local industrial initiatives affect the university innovation activities. We link preferred initiatives from Chinese provincial Five-Year Plans to university–industry patent data. Using difference-in-differences design, we document that local preferred industrial initiatives significantly enhance university innovation. These initiatives increase public Research and Development (R&D) funding (government-push effect) and facilitate regional university–industry collaboration (market-pull effect). The effects exhibit heterogeneity across university administrative affiliation, university research capacity, and industry technology intensity. Furthermore, regional industrial comparative advantages and university technology transfer capabilities strengthen the innovation-enhancing effects. Finally, this paper demonstrates that university research capacity strengthens the effectiveness of industrial initiatives on firm output. These findings underscore the synergy among industrial initiatives, university innovation, and local development. Full article

In this contribution, we explored the interplay of guard ring (GR) configuration and isolation structures, as well as irradiation effects, which all together create a rich landscape of phenomena such as self-induced signals (“ghosts”) in trench-isolated Low-Gain Avalanche Diodes (TI-LGADs). The ghost effect is related to the increased surface current due to presence of SiO₂ trenches (and defects) in studied diodes, but it is also affected by interplay between the guard ring(s) and the n⁺ bias ring, implanted in inter-pixel region of these devices. In double-trenched sensors, the n⁺ bias ring is inserted in between the two trenches. We present the investigation on the role of these structures on the self-induced signals in trench-isolated sensors from two different productions (RD50 and AIDAinnova). The sensors from the first production have multiple guard rings, whereas the second type of devices feature only one. Detailed examination of the ghost effect and leak current was performed when guard rings were left floating or connected to the pixels (brought to the same potential). The results show that guard ring configuration in trenched sensors can be critical for the leak current and the presence of a ghost signal. To our best knowledge, the latter problem has not been investigated yet. Full article

The role of the digital business environment (DBE) in the sustainable development of enterprises (SDE) has received extensive attention. This study aims to discover what factors of DBE affect SDE. The empirical results based on China’s inter-provincial panel data from 2011 to 2021 show that DBE has a dual impact on the quantity and quality of enterprises from five dimensions, digital infrastructure, digital industrial environment, digital R&D support, digital talent supply, and digital market demand, among which the digital industrial environment, digital R&D support, and digital talent supply are more conducive to enterprise sustainability. The digital industry environment, digital R&D support and digital talent supply are more conducive to improving enterprise development quality. The results of the heterogeneity analysis further show that there is a significant difference in the regional effect of DBE on SDE. Enterprises in eastern, central, and western China show a tendency to differentiate the demand for different factor conditions, such as technology, industry, and talent, in the process of development. The research in this study provides new theoretical perspectives and empirical evidence for optimising the business environment and achieving SDE. Full article

In recent years, China has actively advanced the new energy vehicle industry to achieve its “dual carbon” objectives via a green revolution. The growth of green technical innovation by new energy vehicle enterprises has emerged as a significant national support project, and it has implemented a number of new energy vehicle promotion policies. Therefore, it is essential to investigate if promotional policies encourage the development of green technologies in businesses. China’s 2016 “New Energy Vehicle Promotion Catalogue” serves as the policy’s temporal shock point, and data from Chinese-listed new energy vehicle companies from 2011 to 2022 are used in this study. The effect and mechanism of the new energy vehicle promotion strategy on developing green technologies in businesses are investigated using a double difference model. As per the research, the promotion policy substantially enhances the green technological innovation of new energy vehicle firms. It can augment the level of R&D investment and alleviate financing constraints for enterprises, and enterprises’ social responsibility can act as a positive moderator for the promotion policy and enterprise green technological innovation. Finally, it has a more apparent positive impact on the green technological innovation of major companies and non-state-owned enterprises compared to state-owned firms. Additionally, it is more evident that enterprises are raising green technology innovation in the eastern and central regions. Full article

Green technological innovation is pivotal in advancing the ‘dual carbon’ target and promoting sustainable and low-carbon development. This research examines 17 prefecture-level cities in Hubei Province, employing the Super-SBM model for assessing emissions of carbon efficiency from 2010 to 2020. The kernel density estimation and the Dagum coefficient of Gini are also used to examine the spatio-temporal differentiation and the evolution of these efficiencies. A data panel regression model is utilized to evaluate how green technological innovation impacts carbon emission efficiency in Hubei Province. The research revealed that (1) Hubei Province’s carbon emission efficiency first fluctuated and then increased rapidly, and (2) the overall regional difference in carbon emission efficiency in Hubei Province shows a trend of first decreasing and then gradually increasing. The Wuhan metropolitan area and the Xiang-yang-Shiyan-Suizhou-Shennongjia urban area are quite different; the differentiation within the Yichang-Jingzhou-Jing-Enshi urban agglomeration shows a narrowing trend. (3) The innovation elements of green technology are positively correlated with the effectiveness of carbon emissions; the relationship between economic expansion and population density among the control variables also shows a positive correlation, while the industrial structure and government environmental regulations are negatively correlated. (4) In Hubei Province, there is a temporal lag between green technological innovation and its impact on carbon emission efficiency. Capital investment and technical achievement currently enhance carbon emission efficiency, while human capital positively affects carbon emission efficiency during a second lag period. This article proposes countermeasures and recommendations for R&D capital spending, innovative talent cultivation, and regional differentiation, providing specific references to advance the coordinated growth of the whole Hubei Province and green sustainable development. Full article

IgG4 is an unusual immunoglobulin (Ig) and is the least component of IgG in humans. It is often asymmetrical and heterobivalent with weak Fc (fragment crystallizable region)-dependent effector function and ineffective complement activation, thus playing an unclear role in immune functions. IgE is an uncommon Ig, being important mostly in allergy and type 2 immunity. There are two rare chronic Ig-related fibroinflammatory diseases, namely IgG4-related disease (IgG4RD) and Kimura disease (KD), characterized by prominent IgG4- or IgE-positive plasma cells in the affected tissues, with or without blood elevations of the same Ig. The etiology of these two Ig-related diseases is unclear, though it appears that the pathogenesis in both is related to polarized Ig heavy chain isotype switching, concomitant with other cellular, cytokine and chemotaxin interactions that culminates in the characteristic pathologic manifestations of inflammation and fibrosis. IgG4RD and KD, despite having overlapping and differing features, may be connected by the similar pathogenetic polarized Ig isotype switching. Full article